DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1927, Page 15

DISTRICT NEWS

MOTUNUI. hunt club Dance. (From Our Own Correspondent). Xet another successful function held .«ithin the precincts of the Waihi Memorial Hall has come and gone. Xt could rightly be claimed “the danee of the season” as far as this district is concerned, as it went with a swine from start to finish. Men dressed in conventional hunting garb suggested the nature of the function, and intermingling with the various hues of the ladies’ frocks presented to one’s eye a bright and colourful scene of gaiety. To the opening strains of McNeill's orchestra, quite fifty couples graced the floor, and increased rapidly as the night wore on, th.e dancing space being taxed to its utmost, until fully ninety couples were present.

Mr. G. N. Skelton, ably assisted by Messrs. E. Rook and W. Skelton, capably carried out the duties of M 0., and to a large degree contributed to the success of the evening. Extras were played by Miss H. Edwin and Messrs. H Bailey and N. Edwin.

After partaking of a delicious supper, Mr. G. N, Skelton congratulated those who had inaugurated the function, saying he was glad to see members taking such a keen interest in matters concerning the Hunt Club. He then called the Master (Mr. B. H. Chaney) to present the trophies. won at the point-to-point during the season just closed.

Mr. Chaney thanked the ladies who had assisted so mnch in making the function such a success (applause). It was to be deeply regretted that one of the most active member of the Hunt Club, Mr. F. Parli, who is at present ill in the hospital, could not be present. He stressed the importance of members training their horses propel ly. He referred to a steeplechase worth five hundred pounds at the recent races at Auckland, when only two horses started and said that any decent hunter would have had a great chanee of winning, or would have collected third money. Therefore it behoves members to get better class hunters, and look after them well. 1 presenting Miss M. Knight with the trophy for the Ladies’ Race, Mr. Chaney said that it was the second time that Miss Knight bad w’on the race, and it was encouraging to see lady members so keenly interested in the club. The second class hunters’ trophy went to Mr. L. Powell, who was a new member, and an English public school boy. He also wished to congratulate the rider of the winner, Mr. A. Webster, also an English boy, as it was withjn the last twelve months that Mr. Webster had learnt to ride. The trophy for the boy’s raee was won by Master L. Cole. Owing to the absence of Mr. Kehler, owner of the winner of the First Class Hunter’s race, the trophy eould not be presented, but nevertheless cheers were given for the successful owner. Musical honours were accorded the successful owners. Dancing was then resumed until a late hour. Not a little of the success was

due to the efforts of the joint secretaries, Messrs. J. Draper and I. Cole, who left nothing undone to ensure the success of the evening. Among those present were: Mesdames McLeod, heliotrope crepe de chine; Fuller, pink stoekingette: Locke, cream silk lace; Canton, beaded blue georgette; Joiies, black satin eharmeuse; McKay, cream lace over eream satin; Misses A. McKay, pink crepe de ehine with cream over lace: M. Riley, green crepe de chine with lace to match; E. Ovenden, mauve shot taffeta; R. Griffith, gold crepe de chine flounced; 0. Tones, blue velvet with snow effects; Q. Barras, blue marocain; A. Higgins, pink sequined georgette; D. Watson, green figured marocain and gold lace; D. Osmond, pink georgette; M. McKay, old rose erepe de chine with sequin trimmings; H. Edwin, blue shot taffeta; Q. Jones, pink crepe de chine with bead trimmings; D. Cole cream lace over green silk eharmeuse; N. Skelton, mauve shot taffeta; C. Draper, silver lace over pink silk; M. Knight, place blue stencilled crepe de chine; M. Jones, black velvet; D. Proctor, accordian pleated pink georgette and gold laqe; N. Foote, apricot georgette; H. Cole, pink beaded silk; E. Cole, blue shot taffeta; W. McKenzie, pale blue marocain, and a host of others too numerous to mention.

An accident that might have had more serious consequences befell Mr, J. Loveridge, of Huirangi, as he was proceeding home in his car after attending the danee. Without any warning a motor vehicle without lights, suddenly loomed in sight, and to avoid a collision. Mr. Loveridge swerved his ear, but unfortunately did not notice a bank over which the car was precipitated. Fortunately no one was injured, the car being damaged. Misses H. and K. Riley, who have been visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. Riley, have returned to Pukearuhe and Urenui respectively. MATAV. (From Our Own Correspondent), The State Forestry Department has changed its mind, and instead of appointing local agents to pay royalty on pig snouts, has decided to have them sent to the conservator at Palmerston North. Accompanying each parcel a voucher enclosed states that the enclosed snouts are off wild pigs killed since July 5, 1927, and on land in the affected districts. Payments are made only to owners of such lands or to bona fide employees thereof. The signatures of such have to be made before a Justice of the Peace or a postmaster and a footnote warns against any fraud or false statement. This is our third week without rain. Our rivers, even, are running low, and settlers are busy on the banks of the Waitara retrieving totara from the silt. The Waitara Valley Road has had some good work done on it, and Is. once more safe to ride on. The North Matau bridge filling, which had collapsed through the winter, has been attended to thoroughly, and the settlers will be able to sledge their wool out. The weather has been so warm that settiers have been encouraged to start shearing their wethers. A number of our young men are going io Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay to shear in the big sheds there. The Rev. W. W. Alexander held divine service here on Sunday evening last, and had a large congregation. The Bishop of Waikato is to hold a confirmation service on November 11, at Purangi, and the ladies of Matau are helping, the Purangi ladies in giving the bishop, and ■ tire-candidates, etc., a lunch. Settlers..in the district, are now burning scrub and wire fern, With a hot

sun and a good breeze, a big block of bush felled during the winter on the Everest Run -was burnt on Thursday, The result wag satisfactory. DOUGLAS. (From Our Own Correspondent). The last of the series of euchre parties under the auspices of the hall committee was held on October 7. It being the busy season for the country folk, the attendance was not up to the usual standard. At the conclusion of the euchre prizes were awarded to Miss Needham and Mr. McNeice, while points’ trophies went to Mrs. Wiimshurst, who secured the honour by half a point over Mrs. Skousgaard, and Mr. E. Walter. The following gave music for the dances after the cards: Mrs. A. Walter, Misses Rumball, Wiimshurst and Cresswell and Messrs. Bredow, Rumball and Walter. Mrs. Latham gave untiring help in the supper room. Last Wednesday the hall was en fete, the occasion being a wind up ball under the management of a large committee with Miss Needham as secretary and Mr. J. Walter as chairman. The hall presented a very pleasing picture, an entirely new idea of decorations being carried out. From the ceiling were suspended five large Japanese umbrellas to which were attached streamers giving a parachute effect. Radiating from the centre diagonally many coloured streamers were used, while on the windows twisted streamers were suspended. Much use was made of ferns, while clematis and lyeapodium completed the scheme. With very favourable weather conditions and the prospects of Boulton’s orchestra a large crowd gathered. Efficient M’s.C. kept everything moving with a swing. Great interest was taken in tl- ■ new novelty danee —The Dash Waltz —which was won by Mr. Rae and partner. The Monte Carol Waltz went to Mr. Jacobsen and Mrs. Garlie. During the evening the 'unsealing of the envelope containing the lucky number for the cushion presented by Miss Needham took place, when it i was found that the winner was Mr. J. Withers, of Stratford. Extras were rendered by Mrs. A. Walter. Misses Bilaski and Wiimshurst and Mr. C. Bredow. The supper room presented a very dainty appearance with its decorations of cherry blossoms and fernery. Supper was dispensed by the committee of ladies.

Little Edgar Wills, who was an inmate of the Stratford Hospital, suffering from broken ribs sustained while playing in the station yard, is now convalescing at home. Early this week Florence Rumhall was removed to the hospital. she is suffering from pneumonia. Mr. Rumball, who is acting as supervisor for the childrens’ agricultural plots, is taking a keen interest in. the work and it is hoped that Douglas will be successful in the root-growing competition. Mrs. Key, of Wanganui, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Howat. RAHOTU. s—■—(From Our Own Correspondent). Recently about sixty members of the Anglican Church attended at the hall to present Mrs. W. R. Wright with a hand bag, writing companion and large printed prayer book in recognition of her many years’ service as organist at the church, and which the congregation so much appreciated. Mrs. Wright throughout all times and weathers has always been in her place. Mrs. Gibson, as the oldest church member, made the presentation, saying how sorry they were that Mrs. Wright had to give up her duties because of bad health. Mr. Gibson and Rev. Gillespie also spoke. Mrs. W. Hopkins favoured the company with songs. Games were indulged in and then all sat down to supper, Mrs. Wright having two very old friends on either side of her, viz., the Mrs. Rowlands of Inaha Road, and Mrs, Stevenson, of Pihama.

The bowlers had an ideal day’ for their opening on Saturday. The nice rain the evening before settled the dust and improved the green. Mr. Green, the president, was able to be present after his illness, and welcomed the visitors from Wares and Pihama. He then called on Mrs. Clarke, the vice-president’s wife, to throw the jack, after which he declared the green open. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies in their usual style.

Measles are very preve’ant in the dis trict.

We are sorry to hear that the Rev. Gillespie is indisposed. The dry weather has been keeping the milk at the factory’ at a standstill, and the rain the other evening was greatly appreciated by all, especially as most tanks were dry. The croquet ladies held their annual meeting at Mrs. Clarke’s last Wednesday, and decided to open the season on hire. Clarke’s lawn next Wednesday October 19.

PUNGAREHU. A fair amount of rain fell on Friday night, and the grass and gardens benefited considerably and with a pay-out of about Is fid on the twentieth “old-Siraw-berry” will again be the best friend on the farm. Mrs. Neal is at present away on holiday. Mrs. M. Day’s sister, from Urenui, is spending a few days with her. Messrs Isherwood and Bellam have the crusher plant ready to start crushing early this week, and will carry on with the tar-sealing. I believe two members of the hall committee attended the meeting on Saturday night. No wonder we have such a neglected looking hall. The two members are to be eongra ulated upon sticking to such a heart-breaking undertaking. Quite a large number of spectators turned out on Saturday for the cycle race from Rahotu to Puniho an 1 , back Mr. C. Gray, of Pungarehu, donated the points’ prize. Mrs. Layard, one of our oldest residents, is having a few weeks’ holidav. RATAPIKO. (From Our Own Correspondent.; The school children's fancy dress bail, which was held in the hail on Wednesday night, was a great success both socially and financially, the takings at the door amounting to LIO. The hall presented a very gay appearance, with the many pretty costumes worn by the children, and the coloured electric globes which were' hung along each side. The function opened with the grand march.

the spectators being given tickets and asked to vote for the costumes they liked best. Four prizes were given, first and second for girls, and also for the boys. The winner® proved to be: Girls, Miss Mavis Grigg (Fairy Queen) 1, Miss Clarice Wilson (Superstition) 2. Boys. Master Jack Corbett (Tom Mix) 1. Master Geoffrey Moore and Peter Gannaway, equal 2. The following is a list Of the costumes: —Mis® Mary Karalue (Japanese Lady), Nellie Gannaway (Folly), Gertie Karahss (Bride), Jean Dravitski (Dear Little Shamrock), Joan Karalus (Queen of Hearts), Doris Corbett (Noon), Flora Clark (Daisy), Doris Martin (Fairy), Mavis Grigg (Fairy Queen). Mona Corlett iKolynos), Josie Nolan (Bathing Girl), Clarice Wilson (Superstition), Margaret Gannaway (Ace of Hearts). Edith Smith (Noon), Vera Nolan (Red Riding Hood), Peggy Nolan (-Red Cross Nurse); boys, Geoffrey Moore (Indian Chief), Douglas Therkleson (Indian Brave;, Lance Corlett (Courtier), Bill Wells (Dick Whittington), Willie Martin (Clown), Mick Dravitski (Daily News), Elis O'Donnell (Clown), Eric Corlett (Billiard®), David Dravitski (iSailor), Alan Martin (Frog), Victor Jones (Santa Claus’.-, Peter Gannaway (Red Indian). Bernard Kuklinski (Circus Clown), John Kuklinski (Black and White), Joe Clark (Page), George Karaln« (Elf), Mick Kuklinski (Sailor). Bob Smith (Page), Dick Hill (Red Indian), Joe Martin (Footballer), Desmond Marlin (Jingle Bells), Malcolm Wiliam® (Rajah). Raymond Telfar (Sailor, H.M.S. Ratapiko), Leslie Telfar (Sailor Boy), Jack Corbett (Tom Mix). Douglas Martin (Footballer).

1 During the evening recitations were given by Master Doug. Therkleson and Master Elis O'Donnell. Mr. Martin Karalns, chairman of the school committee, thanked the people for attending in such large number® and referred to the splendid work done by th© teacher®, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Court, in training the children for the various dances. He also thanked Mr®. Vera Martin and Miss Myra Wilson, who have given up so much of their time assisting the teachers at the practices. Music for the dance was supplied by Mr®. Vera Martin (piano), Mr. Fred Hill (violin), and Mr. Arthur Grigg (accessories). Master Douglas Therkleson and Master Geoffrey Moore very ably acted a® M.'sC. Extras were played by Mrs. Harrison (Tariki), Miss Phyllis Schrieber (Waitui), Mr. L. Schrieber and Mr. J. Kuklinski, A very fine supper was dispensed by the ladies’ committee, who had no light task set them in attending to the wants of the children, and later to those of the adults. The committee comprised the following ladies: Mesdames O'Donnell, M. Nolan, W. Willans and S. Martin Mrs. Pull (New Plymouth) has been spending a short holiday with, her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. M. Nolan, Mana Road.

Miss Walker is visiting her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. W. Wiliams, Mana Road. Master’ Leslie O'Donnell, of Ratapiko, is surely making a name- for himself in musical circles. At the recent examinations held in Inglewood he was again successful, the second pass within a tew months.

The Sports Club- intend holding another of their popular euchre parties and dances on Friday next, the 21st just. We believe a bag of sugar is to be the I first prize for the men, and something equally good for the ladies. WHAREROA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) One of the most successful dance® held in Whareroa took place on Friday night, when a large gathering assembled t-o raise funds for a breaking-up treat for the children. Up till ten o’clock the dances were arranged alternately for adults and children, the latter being mostly in pretty fancy costume®, which added greatly to the gaiety and brightness of the evening. Under their teacher, Miss McCormack, the scholars went through a number of folk dances beautifully, reflecting much credit on their training. The names of the folk dances were: "Ace of Diamonds,” “Finger Polka,” “Tan Toli,” “Shoemaker,” “Brighton Camp,'' “Fairies in the Storm,” "Sir Roger de Coverley,” and "Nuts and May.” . The following were in fancy dress: — Ida Smith (Red Indian). Mavis Smith (Japanese Lady), Mary Hughes (Flower Girl), Noeline Death (Rose), Veta Chapple (chickens)-, Blanche Hine (Fairy), Betty Nicholas (Fairy), Iris Nicholas (Night). -Alison Watts (Japanese Lady), ■Mary Williams (Gipsy), Evelyn Williams (Fairy), Bobby Eustace (Robin Hood), Gerald Hawthorne (Cowboy), Eric Gascoigne (Clown), Henry Carewell (Clown), Herbert Williams (Factory Manager), Basil Nicholas (Chef). The following appeared in pretty and quaint Early Victorian costumes: Gladys Reynolds, Grace Chapple, Molly Wells, Betty Carswell, Erib Luscombe, Rex Luscombs, Jack Smith, Ernest Williams and Victor Chapple. At ten o’clock the children sat down to tables laden with a dainty*supper .snd soft drinks, after .which each one received a pretty kittle basket containing sweets. The baskets were made by Mrs. Luscombe and Misses Fiveash and Reynolds. For the remainder of the evening the floor was occupied by the adults. The music for the evening was ■supplied by Mr. Billowes, Mrs. Benton, and Misses McCormack, M. Death, Eustace, J. Hicks and Mr. Murphy (violin). Items from a gramophone aieo added to the general enjoyment. The duties, of M.’sC. were capably carried out by Messrs C. Ashton and M. Hicke. At the close of the evening Mr. G. M. Luscombe thanked the musicians and all those who had worked so hard towards providing such an enjoyable and profitable evening. He also announced that the takings at the door had amounted to £7 12s. It had been intended to hold a euchre tournament the same evening, but so much interest was taken in the children’s dances that tbi® will be held shortly. Friends will regret to hear that Mr. Price is again not well, and that Mr. P. Steffert met,with a painful accident to bis thumb while working "discs. All were pleased to see Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Murphy among them again at the danee. Mr. Hitchcock has disposed of hippretty home here to Mr. Nicholson, <*f Feilding. Mr. and Mr®. Hitchcock were always splendid neighbours and willing to help in any good cause, and will be much missed in the district. They are retiring to Fitzroy. Miss Reynolds has returned from a lengthy and pleasant trip to Palmerston, where she also took part in the hockey, tournament. Mr. R. Masted has returned from a pleasant and interesting trip to the Homeland. He found the summer there, very wet, only experiencing two finedays out of eix week®.

JOHN’S ROAD. OLD RESIDENTS FAREWELLFD. From Our Own Correspondent.) A large crowd of friends and neighbours gathered last Friday night at Mrs. . Hogan’s residence to hid farewell to Mrs. T. Hogan and family, who are leaving the district. Games, recitations, musical items and dancing were the order of the evening. The mothers having left their little ones at home in charge of suitable I “nurses,” as, otherwise, the babies would I have been “bored io tears” only too ■ literally, at the unaccustomed crowd and I late hours, every was aWe to join in I the fun and frolic and feel sweet sixteen once more. i When a very dainty supper had been partaken of, Mr. Burns, voiced the very great regret with which the settlers I were bidding farewell to such staunch friends as Mre. Hogan, her two | daughters, Misses “Sis” and Annie I Hogan, and sons, Messrs. Thoma® and | James Hogan. Mrs. Hogan, especially, i had been a very true friend to everybody, jand was respected and loved by all who came in contact with her. He asked Mrs. Hogan to accept, on behalf of those 1 present, an armchair, well-filled with | luxurious cushions, as a ioken of their I esteem, and hoped she would derive many years of comfort from its use. Mrs. Hogan feelingly replied, after which she and her family were made the centre of "musical honours.” Much appreciated items contributed during the evening were: Recitation, “The Groom’s Story, ’ Mr. C. D. Lowden; song, "Just a wee Doth and Doris,” Mr. A. S. H. Kendrick; comic song, Mr. Burns. Dance music was supplied Ly Messrs. J. Fabish and Welch. Amongst those present were: Mesdames H. Egarr, R. Davis, J. Fabish, M. E. Kendrick. E. _Silby, C. D. Lowden, S. Adlington, the Misses Welch. B. Egarr, Fabish (2), E. Davis, Messrs. J. Fabish, Davis (2). Bums; Welch, C. D. Lowden, A. S. H. Kendrick, E. Silby, P. Drosdowski. Although there are only seven farms on this road, the dairy produce is divided between three factories, so that, what with the various pay-outs, etc., also daylight-saving and the extraordinary weather, the farmers are able to enjoy the luxury of a good “jaw” whenever they espy one another over the boundary fences; especially on Sundays, when, generally speaking, the menfolk are “generally speaking.” Although the pastures and gardens up till now have been suffering from the want of a little warm rain, it has been good to arise each morning to perfect summer weather. Certainly no professional dyer has been needed lately to change the colour of one’s frock. One had only to stroll along the road any day during the past fortnight and be passed by a car to find one’s "tout ensemble” changed to a lovely misty grey as by a magic wand. Spring is here, well and truly, as can be seen in the numbers of little woolly lambs gambolling about the paddocks, each one trying to spring a little higher than his neighbours. The wild clematis, too, has-been telling us for quite awhile that spring has come. It is blooming everywhere in great profusion this season, and is certainly queen of the native flowers. Surely no artist or poet could wish for a greater inspiration than the sight of a drooping young rimu tree in the virgin bush covered with a mantle of these snowy, star-like blossoms, their hanging festoons of white swaying gracefully in the breeze. Mrs, Silby gave a little party for her small son Alan on hie fourth birthday. Games, nut and sweet scrambles, and a sumptuous feast combined to make the afternoon a very happy one indeed for the kiddies. The bairnies present were: Dorie Aubrey, Coral Mathers, Eric Dodd, Gerald and Stanley Adlington, and also little Daphne Lowden and Ivy Silby, who, though tiny, enjoyed the fun not one whit less than the others and ate almost as many peanuts, etc., as the cithers. Mrs. Hartley (Marton) arid Mr. George Mathers (Walton) have been spending a few days with Mr, N. E. Kendrick this week. As the latter lady is an expert maker of toothsome toffees, she is leaving John’s Road very much sweeter than it was before she came. Mr, William Mather has left the district for Otaki, to take up farming there. XVe shall miss him very much, his sunny nature and readiness always Ito do,a good turn making him popular ,with everybody. Mr. Alec. Knight (Okoke) paid a flying visit to John’s Road last- week.